A novel protein extracted from foxtail millet bran displays anti-carcinogenic effects in human colon cancer cells

Expression and Purification of Recombinant Bowman-Birk Trypsin Inhibitor from Foxtail Millet Bran and Its Anticolorectal Cancer Effect In Vitro and In Vivo

Trypsin inhibitors derived from plants have various pharmacological activities and promising clinical applications. In our previous study, a Bowman-Birk-type major trypsin inhibitor from foxtail millet bran (FMB-BBTI) was extracted with antiatherosclerotic activity. Currently, we found that FMB-BBTI possesses a prominent anticolorectal cancer (anti-CRC) activity. Further, a recombinant FMB-BBTI (rFMB-BBTI) was successfully expressed in a soluble manner in host strain Escherichia coli. BL21 (DE3) was induced by isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside (0.1 mM) at 37 °C for 3.5 h by the pET28a vector system. Fortunately, a purity greater than 93% of rFMB-BBTI with anti-CRC activity was purified by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. Subsequently, we found that rFMB-BBTI displays a strikingly anti-CRC effect, characterized by the inhibition of cell proliferation and clone formation ability, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and induction of cell apoptosis. It is interesting that the rFMB-BBTI treatment had no obvious effect on normal colorectal cells in the same concentration range. Importantly, the anti-CRC activity of rFMB-BBTI was further confirmed in the xenografted nude mice model. Taken together, our study highlights the anti-CRC activity of rFMB-BBTI in vitro and in vivo, uncovering the clinical potential of rFMB-BBTI as a targeted agent for CRC in the future.

Millets as a dietary supplement for managing chemotherapy induced side effects

Millets, the nutria-cereals, are one of the oldest utilized grain. Millets are reported to possess nutraceuticals health benefits which include improvement in functioning of digestive system, reduction in cholesterol, prevention of heart disease, protection against diabetes, lowering risks of cancer etc. With the widespread commemoration of the International Year of Millets in 2023, the Indian government is moving towards the global recognition of millets in light of its medicinal value in correction of lifestyles diseases. One of the common non-communicable diseases is cancer. Chemotherapy is used as adjuvant, neo-adjuvant or as a combination, in metastatic settings. It is linked to outcomes, but it also has unfavorable side effects that lower a patient's quality of life. The reported chemotherapy side effects includes loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weakness, hair loss, osteoporosis, immunological suppression and gastric disturbances such as dry mouth, altered taste, ulcers, constipation etc. The effectiveness of tumor therapy and the extension of treatment are both influenced by side effect management. One way to help cancer patients with their polypharmacy load is through dietary management. Rich in phytochemicals, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, millets can be suggested as a dietary therapeutic intervention in addition to chemotherapy. Being widely accessible, cost effective, nutrient-dense, high in fiber, gluten-free, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid lowering, gastro-protective, immunomodulator in action, millets can serve as a good diet choice to minimize side effects of chemotherapy.

Millets: A Nutritional Powerhouse With Anti-cancer Potential

Millets are important food crops widely grown by smallholder farmers in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Millets are rich in protein, dietary fiber, micronutrients, and have a low glycemic index (GI) and desirable bioactive compounds. Due to their higher nutritional content, millets are popularly known as "nutricereals". Coinciding with the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization's declaration of 2023 as the "International Year of Millets," this review underscores the nutritional value of these grains from the Poaceae family. The consumption of nutricereals is associated with several health benefits including lowering of blood sugar levels (diabetes), controlling blood pressure, and providing protection against thyroid, cardiovascular, and cancer diseases. A review of the literature from PubMed and Google Scholar was done focusing on the health benefits and anti-cancer properties of different millets. Millets have a rich content of macronutrients like carbohydrates and proteins, as well as micronutrients and bioactive compounds, including dietary fibers, essential fatty acids, and phytochemicals. This article explores millets' nutritional elements, i.e., macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, and provides insights into the types of carbohydrates present, the prebiotic function of dietary fibers, and millets' low GI. The study identified the mechanisms by which millets may deter cancer growth, focusing on the roles of dietary fibers, plant protease inhibitors, and bioactive peptides. Additionally, it compared the mineral and vitamin content of millets to other common grains, such as rice and wheat, and explored the potential health advantages of millets over other cereal crops. This review systematically investigated the health advantages of millets, particularly, their anti-cancer capabilities. Dietary fibers, plant protease inhibitors, and bioactive peptides present in millets have the capacity to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and interact with gut microbiota leading to potential anti-cancer effects. This review also identified existing challenges in the bioavailability and effective delivery of millets' bioactive peptides, advocating for further research to maximize their health benefits.

Assessment of sensory and nutritional attributes of foxtail millet-based food products

Millets are a rich source of many health-promoting nutrients as well as bioactive compounds such as dietary fibers, antioxidants, macro and micronutrients etc., compared to other staple cereals such as rice, wheat and maize. These nutrients play a central role in the world nutritional security. Despite the inbuilt nutritional benefits, the production of millets has witnessed sharp decline owing to taste preferences, keeping quality and challenges associated with food preparation from millets. To sensitize the consumers about the nutritional benefits of foxtail millet, the present study was planned to formulate and nutritionally evaluate eight diversified foxtail millet-based food products namely rusk, kheer, pinni, sattu, vegetable dalia, cookies, bar and papad by replacing commonly used cereals such as wheat and rice. The products prepared from Foxtail millet were found to have high acceptability with mean score of more than 8.00. These diversified food products showed higher protein content ranging from 10.98 to 16.10 g/100 g, with the highest protein found in Foxtail millet kheer (16.01 g/100 g). The resistant starch content and predicted glycemic index (PGI) of these products ranged between 13.67 to 22.61 g/100 g and 46.12 to 57.55, respectively, with the highest resistant starch (22.61 ± 0.69 g/100 g) and lowest PGI (48.42 ± 0.20) found in millet bar. The high resistant starch and low PGI in foxtail millet products suggest that they could serve as an excellent food source suitable for diabetics. The obtained results suggest that all the Foxtail millet-based value-added products have superior nutrient profile and are highly acceptable than the traditional products. Inclusion of these foods in the diets of the population may help in the prevention of malnutrition and type 2 diabetes.

Cereals as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Anti-Hypertensive Activity and Their Intake in Times of COVID-19

Cereals have phytochemical compounds that can diminish the incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) participates in the modulation of blood pressure and is the principal receptor of the virus SARS-CoV-2. The inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the block receptors of angiotensin II regulate the expression of ACE2; thus, they could be useful in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The inferior peptides from 1 to 3 kDa and the hydrophobic amino acids are the best candidates to inhibit ACE, and these compounds are present in rice, corn, wheat, oats, sorghum, and barley. In addition, the vitamins C and E, phenolic acids, and flavonoids present in cereals show a reduction in the oxidative stress involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The influence of ACE on hypertension and COVID-19 has turned into a primary point of control and treatment from the nutritional perspective. The objective of this work was to describe the inhibitory effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme that the bioactive compounds present in cereals possess in order to lower blood pressure and how their consumption could be associated with reducing the virulence of COVID-19.

Conjunctive Analyses of Bulk Segregant Analysis Sequencing and Bulk Segregant RNA Sequencing to Identify Candidate Genes Controlling Spikelet Sterility of Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet has gradually become a model gramineous C4 crop owing to its short growth period and small genome. Research on the development of its spikelets is not only directly related to the yield and economic value of foxtail millet but also can provide a reference for studying the fertility of other C4 crops. In this study, a hybrid population containing 200 offspring was constructed from the Xinong8852 and An15 parental lines, and two extreme trait populations were constructed from the F2 generation for analysis of the spikelet sterility. The F2 population conformed to a 3:1 Mendelian segregation ratio, and it was thus concluded that this trait is likely controlled by a single recessive gene. Bulk segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-Seq) was used to determine the candidate regions and candidate genes related to the development of foxtail millet spikelets. Additionally, the functional analysis of differentially expressed genes in populations with different traits was conducted by bulk segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-Seq). Finally, conjunctive analysis of BSA-Seq and BSR-Seq results, combined with biological information analysis, revealed six genes on chromosome VII that were ultimately identified as candidate genes controlling foxtail millet spikelet development. This study provides a new reference for research on foxtail millet sterility and lays a solid foundation for the examination of fertility in other gramineous crops.

Peroxidase from foxtail millet bran exerts anti-colorectal cancer activity via targeting cell-surface GRP78 to inactivate STAT3 pathway

Molecular targeted therapy has become an emerging promising strategy in cancer treatment, and screening the agents targeting at cancer cell specific targets is very desirable for cancer treatment. Our previous study firstly found that a secretory peroxidase of class III derived from foxtail millet bran (FMBP) exhibited excellent targeting anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) activity in vivo and in vitro, whereas its underlying target remains unclear. The highlight of present study focuses on the finding that cell surface glucose-regulated protein 78 (csGRP78) abnormally located on CRC is positively correlated with the anti-CRC effects of FMBP, indicating it serves as a potential target of FMBP against CRC. Further, we demonstrated that the combination of FMBP with the nucleotide binding domain (NBD) of csGRP78 interfered with the downstream activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in CRC cells, thus promoting the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell grown inhibition. These phenomena were further confirmed in nude mice tumor model. Collectively, our study highlights csGRP78 acts as an underlying target of FMBP against CRC, uncovering the clinical potential of FMBP as a targeted agent for CRC in the future.

Efficient Genome Editing in Setaria italica Using CRISPR/Cas9 and Base Editors

The genome editing toolbox based on CRISPR/Cas9 has brought revolutionary changes to agricultural and plant scientific research. With the development of stable genetic transformation protocols, a highly efficient genome editing system for foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is required. In the present study, we use the CRISPR/Cas9 single- and multi-gene knockout system to target the SiFMBP, SiDof4, SiBADH2, SiGBSS1, and SiIPK1 genes in the foxtail millet protoplasts to screen out highly efficient targeted sgRNAs. Then, we recovered homozygous mutant plants with most of the targeted genes through an Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of foxtail millet. The mutagenesis frequency in the T₀ generation was as high as 100%, and it was passed stably on to the next generation. After screening these targeted edited events, we did not detect off-target mutations at potential sites. Based on this system, we have achieved base editing successfully using two base editors (CBE and ABE) to target the SiALS and SiACC genes of foxtail millet. By utilizing CBE to target the SiALS gene, we created a homozygous herbicide-tolerant mutant plant. The current system could enhance the analysis of functional genomics and genetic improvement of foxtail millet.

Vanillin extracted from proso and barnyard millets induces cell cycle inhibition and apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cell line

Context

Consuming whole grain food has been motivated due to numerous health benefits arising from their bioactive components.

Aims

This study aims to study whether the active compound extracted from Proso and Barnyard millets inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cell line.

Materials and Methods

Cell proliferative effect was assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay using MCF-7 cell line. Cytotoxicity was determined by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme from cells. Apoptotic morphological changes in MCF-7 cells were observe under fluorescence microscope using double staining of Hoeschst 33342/propidium iodide (PI). Induction of apoptosis was analyzed using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/PI through flow cytometry.

Results

In this study, cell proliferative effect of the bioactive compounds from proso millet (Compound 1) and barnyard millet (Compound 2) was evaluated using MCF-7 cell line. Both the compounds significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells after treated with 250 μg/ml and 1000 μg/ml concentration for 48 h. Cytotoxic activity of compounds was assessed by the release of LDH showed that these extracted compounds were not toxic to the cells. Apoptosis was confirmed by Hoechst 33,342/PI dual-staining, Annexin V-FTIC/PI staining, and flow cytometry results of cell cycle analysis shows that there was a significant cell arrest in the G0/G1 phase and increased the apoptotic cells in sub-G0 phase in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the extracted vanillin compound from these millets have effectively induced apoptotic cell death in breast cancer cell line.

Genetics and Genomics Interventions for Promoting Millets as Functional Foods

Several crops, including millets with immense nutritional and therapeutic values, were once a part of our regular diet. However, due to domestication and selection pressures, many of them have become marginally cultivated crops confined to a particular region, race, or locality. Millets are a perfect example of neglected species that have the potential to address both food and nutritional insecurities prevalent among the ever-growing global population. Starvation and malnutrition contribute to a large number of health-related issues, being the main reason behind the occurrence of most of the severe diseases worldwide. These constraints are repeatedly disturbing both the social and economic health of global society. Naturally, millets are rich in minerals, nutrients, and bioactive compounds, and these crops are less dependent on synthetic fertilizers, systemic irrigation, and pest/weed control. Given this, the review emphasizes the nutritional values, health benefits, processing techniques, and genomic advancements of millets. In addition, it proposes a roadmap for enhancing the utility and commercialization of millets.

Effects of Different Amylose Contents of Foxtail Millet Flour Varieties on Textural Properties of Chinese Steamed Bread

In order to improve the nutritional value and quality of steamed bread, and promote the industrial development of the whole-grain food industry, a texture analyzer was used to study the effects of cultivars of whole foxtail millet flour (WFMF) on the texture of Chinese steamed bread (CSB). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was also conducted. The addition of different cultivars of WFMF significantly altered the height–diameter ratio, specific volume, hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness of CSB (p < 0.05). Large amounts of foxtail millet flour significantly increased the hardness, gumminess and chewiness of the bread (p < 0.05), and the bread height–diameter ratio, specific volume, cohesiveness and springiness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). We screened sensory evaluation, chewiness, specific volume, and hardness as the signature differences in the quality components according to the variable influence on the projection (VIP) values. OPLS-DA could distinguish the addition levels of different samples.

Whole grain cereals: the potential roles of functional components in human health

Whole grain cereals have been the basis of human diet since ancient times. Due to rich in a variety of unique bioactive ingredients, they play an important role in human health. This review highlights the contents and distribution of primary functional components and their health effects in commonly consumed whole grain cereals, especially dietary fiber, protein, polyphenols, and alkaloids. In general, cereals exert positive effects in the following ways: 1) Restoring intestinal flora diversity and increasing intestinal short-chain fatty acids. 2) Regulating plasma glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby the improvement of obesity, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic metabolic diseases. 3) Exhibiting antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals. 4) Preventing gastrointestinal cancer via the regulation of classical signaling pathways. In summary, this review provides a scientific basis for the formulation of whole-grain cereals-related dietary guidelines, and guides people to form scientific dietary habits, so as to promote the development and utilization of whole-grain cereals.

Foxtail millet: a potential crop to meet future demand scenario for alternative sustainable protein

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), an annual grass plant, produces seeds that possess health-promoting properties owing to its unique protein composition containing a high content of essential amino acids. The mature foxtail seeds mainly consist of proline-rich, alcohol-soluble proteins (prolamin) called setarins, comprising about 60% of the total protein, with less content of disulfide cross-linked proteins than with other cereal and millets. Protein fractionation schemes are an important tool and provide preliminary information on the nature of foxtail proteins for their applications in the field of agriculture, food pharma, and bio-based materials. Variation in the methods of preparation can influence the composition, structure, and nutritional quality of the protein concentrate. Moreover, foxtail protein or its hydrolysate has shown several bioactive effects that can be explored further for the management of chronic diseases in humans. Additionally, owing to its low cost and excellent functional properties of flour and protein concentrate, foxtail millet can be considered as good candidate for replacing animal protein foods. Furthermore, there is huge potential for successfully developing low-cost, protein-rich functional food products helpful in the prevention and management of lifestyle-related chronic diseases. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of polyphenol from Ziziphi spinosae semen against human colon cancer cells and colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice

Homology of medicine and food-zizyphi spinosi semen (ZSS) exhibits abundant pharmacological activities, such as sedation, hypnosis and anti-depression. In the present study, the water soluble polyphenols extracted from ZSS via the acid digestion method were named ZSSP, and exhibited significant anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) activity, characterized by restraining cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis and increasing chemo-sensitivity of CRC cells. The potential of ZSSP in vivo was further evaluated in an AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) mouse model. Intriguingly, ZSSP diminished the number and volume of CAC polyps in mice in a dose-dependent manner, and effectively limited the damage of mice organs induced by AOM/DSS. The immunohistochemistry result showed that the elevated CRC early markers in CAC mice, such as COX-II, EMR1, and Ki67, were potently prevented by the ZSSP treatment. Further, the component in ZSSP with the anti-CRC activity was identified as spinosin by the macroporous resin of SP207 and RP-HPLC-MS/MS. Interestingly, during the extraction process, sodium ions were introduced forming spinosin·Na+, which had better water solubility and more remarkable anti-CRC activity than the spinosin. This study provides a new pharmacological property of spinosin derived from ZSS, inhibiting the growth of human CRC cells and colitis-associated CRC in mice, which indicates its potential use as a natural agent against CRC.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Peptides Derived from In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion of Germinated and Heat-Treated Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Proteins

This study aimed at identifying antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides derived from the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of germinated and heated (microwave and boiling) foxtail millet. The protein digest fraction containing low-molecular-weight peptides (<3 kDa) and the most hydrophobic subfraction (F4) abundant in random coil structure were responsible for the bioactivity. Then, seven novel peptides were identified using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) from the most potent F4 subfraction derived from boiled germinated millet. All seven synthesized peptides significantly (p < 0.05) reduced reactive oxygen species production and increased glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity in Caco-2 cells, whereas two peptides (EDDQMDPMAK and QNWDFCEAWEPCF) were superior in inhibiting nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α (reduced to 42.29 and 44.07%, respectively), and interleukin-6 (reduced to 56.59 and 43.45%, respectively) production in a RAW 264.7 cell model. This study is the first to report about the potential role of germinated and heated foxtail millet as a source of dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides.

Inhibitory Effects of Peroxidase from Foxtail Millet Bran on Colitis-Associated Colorectal Carcinogenesis by the Blockage of Glycerophospholipid Metabolism

Abnormal glycerophospholipid (GPL) metabolism represented by phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) has been as a universal metabolic hallmark of cancer, which is involved in tumor progression. Our previous finding showed that peroxidase from foxtail millet bran (FMBP) exhibited significant anticolorectal cancer (CRC) activity in vitro and in nude mice. Presently, the potential of FMBP in clinical application was further evaluated by an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) mice model, revealed the pivotal role of GPL metabolism in anti-CRC effects of FMBP. Excitedly, FMBP significantly reduced the number and volume of CAC polyps of mice and effectively improved physiological indexes of CAC mice. Meanwhile, the elevated expressions of CRC early markers (cyclooxygenase 2, tumor-proliferating nuclear antigen Ki-67, and EGF module-containing mucin-like receptor 1) in CAC mice were efficiently prevented by FMBP treatment. Metabolomics analysis showed that the elevated abundances of PC and PE involved in GPL metabolism in CAC mice were markedly decreased in FMBP-treated groups, which was also verified in human CRC cells. Further, FMBP reduced the expression levels of PE and PC key metabolic enzymes, resulting in the blockage of GPL metabolism and insufficient adenosine triphosphate to maintain CRC growth. Collectively, FMBP has the potential as a preventive and therapeutic candidate for CRC through the blockage of GPL metabolism.

An improved protocol for efficient transformation and regeneration of Setaria italica

An efficient and improved transformation method for functional genetics studies in S. italica, being a boon for the Setaria scientific community and for crop improvement. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is a short life cycle C4 plant, with sequenced genome, and a potential model plant for C4 species. S. italica is also important on a global food security and healthiness context due to its importance in arid and semi-arid areas. However, despite its importance, there are just few transformation protocols directed to this species. The current protocols reached about 5.5-9% of efficiency, which do not make it a valuable model organism. Different types of explants were used in the above mentioned methods, such as immature and mature inflorescence and shoot apex. However, these techniques have many limitations, such as unavailability of explants throughout the year and a crucial, laborious and considerable time-consuming selection. Aiming a simplified and efficient methodology, we adopted dry mature seeds as explants, which are available in abundance, are constant along the year and well responsive to tissue culture, in addition to a differentiated approach that reaches on an average 19.2% transformation efficiency of S. italica. Thus, we propose a protocol that optimizes the transformation efficiency of this cereal crop allowing a high increase on transformation and regeneration rates. Our transformation protocol provides an interesting tool for Setaria community research as well as enables new strategies for breeding enhanced productivity in the species.

Inhibitory Effects of Bound Polyphenol from Foxtail Millet Bran on Colitis-Associated Carcinogenesis by the Restoration of Gut Microbiota in a Mice Model

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor occurring in the colon. It has been known that the gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Our previous study showed that bound polyphenol of the inner shell (BPIS) from foxtail millet bran exhibited significant antitumor activities in cancer cells and nude mice models. In the present study, the anticancer potential of BPIS is evaluated in the azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse CRC model. Results showed that BPIS could decrease the number and volume of tumors and protect the epithelial architecture from damage. Certain biomarkers associated with CRC formation, such as COX-2, EMR1, PCNA, and caspase-3, were strongly changed by BPIS. Moreover, by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, it was found that BPIS could remodel the overall structure of the gut microbiota from tumor-bearing mice toward that of the normal counterparts, including two phyla and eight genera, together with regulations on several genes that are responsible for 17 signaling pathways.

Treatment of Peroxidase Derived from Foxtail Millet Bran Attenuates Atherosclerosis by Inhibition of CD36 and STAT3 in Vitro and in Vivo

Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases. Our previous study indicated that a type of peroxidase derived from foxtail millet bran (FMBP) had prominent antitumor activities. In the present study, we found that FMBP had potential antiatherosclerosis effects. The results showed that FMBP treatment strongly suppressed lipid phagocytosis in both HASMCs and THP-1 cells by 52% and 49%, respectively. Further, FMBP significantly inhibited HASMCs migration by promoting transformation of HASMCs from synthetic to contractile, leading to the decrease of lipid phagocytosis. Simultaneously, FMBP repressed lipid uptake by reducing the expression of CD36 in THP-1 cells. In addition, FMBP reduced the secretion of inflammatory factor IL-1β by inhibiting the expression of STAT3 in THP-1 cells. Interestingly, FMBP also had the same effects in models of atherosclerosis constructed with ApoE-/- mice, including decreased aortic lesion area, repressed aortic sinus CD36 and STAT3 expression, and elevated serum HDL-C concentration. Collectively, these results indicate that FMBP has great potential in preventing the development of atherosclerosis.

Cationic peroxidase from proso millet induces human colon cancer cell necroptosis by regulating autocrine TNF-α and RIPK3 demethylation

A cationic peroxidase (POD) was purified from proso millet seeds (PmPOD) using ammonium sulfate fractionation, cation exchange, and size exclusion chromatography. The purified PmPOD showed toxicity to normal cells and tumor cells, but was more sensitive in HT29 cells. Furthermore, the mechanism driving HCT116 and HT29 cell death by PmPOD was the induction of receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)- and RIPK3-dependent necroptosis, independent of apoptosis. More importantly, PmPOD could induce tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production through transcriptional upregulation. In addition, PmPOD could restore RIPK3 expression in HCT116 cells via the demethylation of the RIPK3 genomic sequence. Taken together, these results suggest that two distinct mechanisms are involved in PmPOD-induced necroptosis: the autocrine production of TNF-α and the restoration of RIPK3 expression.

Antioxidant capacity and amino acid profile of millet bran wine and the synergistic interaction between major polyphenols

Millet bran, the by-product of millet processing industry, contains an abundance of phytochemicals, especially polyphenols. The main objective of this study was brewing antioxidant wine from millet bran, as well as the nutritional evaluation. The total polyphenol content of wine samples was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH radical-scavenging capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results showed that millet bran wine (MBW) contained as much as six times of total polyphenols compared with millet wine (MW), and performed considerably stronger antioxidant activity in DPPH, TEAC and FRAP assays. More than sixfold of total amino acids (AA) were found in MBW than in MW. Moreover, the indispensable AA and functional AA were also abundant in MBW. The major polyphenol compounds in MBW were identified using HPLC, including vanillic acid, syringic acid (SA), p-coumaric acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA). They exhibited synergism in the antioxidant assays, especially the combinations of SA and CA, SA and FA. This study not only provides evidence for MBW as a nutraceutical with antioxidant activity, but also opens new avenues in the area of making comprehensive utilization of agricultural by-products.

Apigenin Restrains Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation via Targeted Blocking of Pyruvate Kinase M2-Dependent Glycolysis

Apigenin (AP), as an anticancer agent, has been widely explored. However, the molecular targets of apigenin on tumor metabolism are unclear. Herein, we found that AP could block cellular glycolysis through restraining the tumor-specific pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) activity and expression and further significantly induce anti-colon cancer effects. The IC₅₀ values of AP against HCT116, HT29, and DLD1 cells were 27.9 ± 2.45, 48.2 ± 3.01 and 89.5 ± 4.89 μM, respectively. Fluorescence spectra and solid-phase AP extraction assays proved that AP could directly bind to PKM2 and markedly inhibit PKM2 activity in vitro and in HCT116 cells. Interestingly, in the presence of d-fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FBP), the inhibitory effect of AP on PKM2 was not reversed, which suggests that AP is a new allosteric inhibitor of PKM2. RT-PCR and Western blot assays showed that AP could ensure a low PKM2/PKM1 ratio in HCT116 cells via blocking the β-catenin/c-Myc/PTBP1 signal pathway. Hence, PKM2 represents a novel potential target of AP against colon cancer.

Anti-inflammatory effects of millet bran derived-bound polyphenols in LPS-induced HT-29 cell via ROS/miR-149/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway

The pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory maladjustment has been acknowledged as one of the chief causations of inflammatory diseases and even cancers. Previous studies showed that plant-derived polyphenolic compounds were the most potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents among all natural compounds. The present study indicates that bound polyphenols of inner shell (BPIS) from foxtail millet bran can display anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced HT-29 cells and in nude mice. Mechanistically, BPIS restrained the level of various pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), and enhanced the expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) by blocking the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB)-p65 nuclear translocation. Further, we found the elevated miR-149 expression by BPIS-induced ROS accumulation, directly targeted the Akt expression to block NF-κB nuclear translocation. Taken together, these novel findings provide new insights into the development of BPIS as an anti-inflammatory agent via the signaling cascade of ROS/miR-149/Akt/NF-κB axis.

In vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of a Pleurotus eryngii protein on colon cancer cells

The inhibitory effects of a protein isolated from Pleurotus eryngii were demonstrated in both cell culture and mouse allograft tumor models.

Effect of foxtail millet protein hydrolysates on lowering blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of foxtail millet protein hydrolysates on lowering blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

METHODS

The protein of foxtail millet after extruding or fermenting and the raw foxtail millet was extracted and hydrolyzed by digestive protease to generate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides. The potential antihypertensive effect of protein hydrolysates from foxtail millet in SHRs was investigated.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of treatment with 200 mg peptides/kg of body weight of protein hydrolysates, blood pressure was lowered significantly, and the raw and extruded samples were more effective than the fermented samples. The serum ACE activity and angiotensin II levels in the treatment groups were significantly lower than that of the control. The percent heart weight decreased in the treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Thus, ingestion of foxtail millet protein hydrolysates especially for the raw and extruded hydrolysates may ameliorate hypertension and alleviate related cardiovascular diseases.

Grain Yield and Quality of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.) in Response to Tribenuron-Methyl

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is cultivated around the world for human and animal consumption. There is no suitable herbicide available for weed control in foxtail millet fields during the post-emergence stage. In this study, we investigated the effect and safety of the post-emergence herbicide tribenuron-methyl (TBM) on foxtail millet in terms of grain yield and quality using a split-plot field design. Field experiments were conducted using two varieties in 2013 and 2014, i.e., high-yielding hybrid Zhangzagu 10 and high-quality conventional Jingu 21. TBM treatments at 11.25 to 90 g ai ha⁻¹ reduced root and shoot biomass and grain yield to varying degrees. In each of the two years, grain yield declined by 50.2% in Zhangzagu 10 with a herbicide dosage of 45 g ai ha⁻¹ and by 45.2% in Jingu 21 with a herbicide dosage of 22.5 g ai ha⁻¹ (recommended dosage). Yield reduction was due to lower grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, panicle length, and panicle diameter. Grain yield was positively correlated with grains per panicle and 1000-grain weight, but not with panicles ha⁻¹. With respect to grain protein content at 22.5 g ai ha⁻¹, Zhangzagu 10 was similar to the control, whereas Jingu 21 was markedly lower. An increase in TBM dosage led to a decrease in grain Mn, Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations. In conclusion, the recommended dosage of TBM was relatively safe for Zhangzagu 10, but not for Jingu 21. Additionally, the hybrid variety Zhangzagu 10 had a greater tolerance to TBM than the conventional variety Jingu 21.

Coevolution between Cancer Activities and Food Structure of Human Being from Southwest China

Yunnan and Tibet are the lowest cancer mortality and the largest producer for anticancer crops (brown rice, barley, buckwheat, tea, walnut, mushrooms, and so forth). Shanghai and Jiangsu province in China have the highest mortality of cancers, which are associated with the sharp decline of barley.

Targeted anti-colon cancer activities of a millet bran-derived peroxidase were mediated by elevated ROS generation

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is the sixth most important cereal in the world.